MITCH Jensen darted around the goals at Donaldson Park on Saturday with inspiring energy as Wedderburn scored its first win of the North Central season.
Jensen’s 10 goals alone would have been a stellar contribution to the 72-point domination over St Arnaud.
But it was his swift work out on the flanks and closer to the midfield that was critical, and inspirational, to the Redbacks keeping St Arnaud scoreless in the opening term.
Quick rotations on the 32-degree day kept Wedderburn fresh and full of legs and able to demonstrate a better level of fitness. 
St Arnaud went deep early, and several times too, but the Redback defenders turned over play with confidence.
Jensen, Mitchell McEwen, Jackson McEwen, Jye Mortlock, Darcy Jackson and Noah Furlong were to be named in the best.
There was as many again who played a good role in the win. Adam Postle in the ruck was again showing deftness at the taps and Danny Benaim and coach Tomy Metherell were wily in defence.
Was there a blemish in the Redbacks’ performance? They allowed St Arnaud to at least match them on the scoreboard in the third quarter when both sides added three goals.
But Wedderburn had the wise heads in the backline and options going to goal. If Jensen was being held tightly, Wedderburn had another six players who slotted majors for the day.
St Arnaud showed it’s up at least a cog on recent seasons. Zac Phillips, Bradley Organ and Mitch Birthisel among the Saints’ best.
- CHRIS EARL